26.2, here I come

[Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon on October 20-21, 2018 as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!]

Despite running the distance in training for 50K races in 2016 and 2017, I’ve only done one official 26.2 mile race, the Capital City River Run in 2015. This year, I hope to go back to the distance to get another marathon medal at the Detroit Free Press Marathon on Oct. 21.

I remember Capital City fondly, but know that the road race really took a lot of both mental and physical fortitude that I never knew I had. It was my first real physical test, especially because I ran a large portion without the kind of running buddy support we experience at the Run Woodstock 50Ks where you know you’ll have a pit-crew-style aid station every four miles and friends beside you for the full 33 miles.

But this is DETROIT where the course takes runners from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, and back, crossing at both the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The route covers Belle Isle, the RiverWalk and lots of historic neighborhoods.

With a generous six-and-a-half-hour time clock, it’s a race I should be able to finish, even six weeks after this year’s 50K at Run Woodstock, a feat I considered last year, but chickened out of, then suffered some serious regrets about later. Thanks to my friend Vicki, I will use the Hal Higdon marathon training plan for back-to-back races.

This year, I’m building up my mileage more slowly and steadily to give my body time to heal from some shoulder and knee problems I’ve been having. I’m also genuinely being smarter about my training and eating, already having made progress on both ends. The whole familia has had a great attitude about eating better and being more active, things we’ve dabbled in before but never really made significant progress on.

My first race isn’t until late April when I plan to run the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon in Grand Rapids, followed by the Bayshore Half Marathon in May and Old Farts in August. I’ll probably run a 5-mile leg of the Lake Lansing Team Marathon relay and am considering running the Capital City River Run Half Marathon again. I may even get to squeeze in a trail race in the Upper Peninsula sometime this summer, depending on when I can take vacation.

For now, I’m working on my core, returning to yoga and spending quality time on our new Peloton bike for cross training. I did just get a cycling Cruiser Bike Girl Skirt from Skirt Sports to make that last one a little less uncomfortable and will report back on whether the padding made a difference.

I do hope you want to join in the Detroit race weekend fun. There are multiple events — from a kids race to a competitive one miler to the full. No matter what you decide, use code 2018DETROCKS for 10% off your race entry!

Have you run a full marathon? Have you run Detroit? Want to run it with us?

My name is Gisgie. It's pronounced geese (like the birds) and gee (like the letter). Now that we've met, I'm glad you're here. I'm an injury-prone runner who manages to find reasons to keep coming back to the road despite ongoing challenges. Most recently, I've struggled with piriformis syndrome. I'm currently winning. Most days.

I suggest you get Detroit on your short list STAT! Not only is it an awesome race, but there are TONS of great places to eat and visit. Hope you’ll let your Michigan Skirt Sisters know if you do so we can show you around!

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